The Baltimore Ravens had an encouraging 2025 preseason debut from many rookies and players looking to make their 53-man roster ahead of the regular season. They defeated the Indianapolis Colts 24-16, but the real story was the impressive showing from their deep roster.
Baltimore’s youth was on full display against the Colts, flying around the field, making plays, and setting the tone on every drive. Specifically, one rookie is already knocking on the door for starting reps, and he was not even one of the team’s 11 draft picks in April.
Linebacker Jay Higgins was one of the more well-known undrafted signings coming out of the 2025 NFL Draft, and although he had a somewhat quiet camp, he is quickly putting it together in game action.
The former Iowa standout was one of the stars of the show on Thursday night. He intercepted a pass, made three tackles, and knocked two passes away, one of which was the game-decider on a Colts’ fourth down well into Baltimore territory.
He got his opportunities late, but he made the most of them. He also made more noise than the three fellow linebackers ahead of him on the depth chart: Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan, and Jake Hummel.
Jay Higgins is forcing himself into the starting linebacker conversation
Perhaps this is a preseason overreaction, but it is hard to argue Higgins’ talent. He played five seasons at Iowa and really came into his own in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, he led the nation in solo and assisted tackles, making 79 solo and 92 assisted, and hauled in an interception. In 2024, he earned All-American honors thanks to a combined 124 tackles and four interceptions. He has a nose for the football and showed that in Baltimore’s game against the Colts.
Higgins can fly. Scouts did not see that in his testing at the NFL Combine, but it shows on the field. In his tackles against Indianapolis, he showcased his ability to diagnose the play and tackle the ball carrier. He made some ear-ringing hits and was a reliable piece in the middle of the field when he saw playing time.
When it comes to middle linebackers, Hummel will likely be a special teams-only player. As for Simpson and Buchanan, they did not jump off the screen. Simpson had two total tackles, and Simpson had just one. Neither flashed in any notable moments. At a position where Baltimore lacked a starting linebacker next to All-Pro Roquan Smith in 2024, they need someone to separate themselves in that room this year. The two did not show anything to do that, and Higgins may quickly be gaining ground.
Of course, it is just one game. There are two more preseason games to go and a ton of practice left. Higgins is fifth on the current depth chart at linebacker, so he will need to keep up the pace to even have a shot at a 53-man roster spot, let alone starting reps. However, Week 1 of the preseason was a strong start.